COVID-19 Nonprofit Response Fund Distributes First Grants & Receives Financial Boost

To assist with the fund’s efforts, Tracy Family Foundation contributed a grant totaling $25,000. The contribution increases the Community Foundation’s ability to direct resources to regional nonprofits responding to and impacted by the current COVID-19 public health crisis.

“As anyone could imagine, the needs of our nonprofit community and those they serve far exceed the resources we have available,” said Catherine Bocke Meckes, Community Foundation CEO. “We are incredibly grateful for Tracy Family Foundation’s generous investment into this fund, as it will allow us to continue addressing the needs of our community as those needs continue to evolve and expand.”

Nonprofit organizations that have received grants from the fund include:

• Bella Ease/Teen Reach (Quincy): Distribution of snack and dinner to participants of the Teen Reach program and additional families in need.

• Cheerful Home (Quincy): General support for emergency child care needs of essential workers.

• Douglass Community Services (Hannibal): Emergency food distribution, including snack and evening meal. 

• The Food Bank of Central & Northeast Missouri: Emergency food distribution to food pantries in Clark, Lewis, Marion, Monroe, Ralls, Knox, and Shelby Counties, MO. 

• Harvest Outreach Ministries (Hannibal): Support of the Loaves & Fishes program, distributing take-home in collaboration with Hannibal Nutrition Center. 

• Horizons (Quincy): Support of the soup kitchen and food pantry.

• Quanada (Quincy): Shelter services for domestic violence victims compliant with social distancing orders.

• Salvation Army of Quincy: Shelter services compliant with social distancing orders and emergency food distribution.

• United Way of Adams County: Support of the Adams County Coronavirus Relief Fund, supporting unmet financial needs of individuals and families.

Nonprofit organizations experiencing an increase in demand for services or decrease in revenue due to the current public health crisis are encouraged to apply for funding. Organizations providing vital basic needs, services, and resources to disproportionately impacted individuals and families and vulnerable populations will receive first priority for funding; however, requests to support other nonprofit organizations experiencing financial hardship or providing other support services to individuals and families will also be accepted and considered as funding allows

Grant funds must be used within the Community Foundation’s service area, including Adams, Brown, Hancock, and Pike Counties in Illinois; and Clark, Lewis Marion, Ralls, Pike, Knox, Shelby and Monroe Counties in Missouri.

Community members are encouraged to continue supporting their favorite nonprofits directly during this time. However, those who want to support nonprofits but aren’t sure where to give or how best to help can give directly to the COVID-19 Nonprofit Response Fund. As grant requests are received, they will be summarized on the Community Foundation’s website to provide the community and donors with up-to-date information on the evolving needs of our nonprofit community. Requests may be viewed here. 

Further information about the grants, eligibility, and application process can be found here. 

Tax-deductible donations to support the grants program can be made to the Community Foundation online here or by mail, 4531 Maine Street, Suite A, Quincy, IL 62305.